Inverter home heaters. Heating a private house using a voltage inverter

During the cold season. Electricity is available in every home, so setting up such a heating system is not difficult. But heating a house with electricity will be expensive compared to other systems. In order to save money, inverter heating boilers were developed. They have high efficiency and heat loss is minimal.

Operating principle of an inverter boiler

Standard electric boilers operate on the principle of transferring energy to a heat carrier. Transmission is carried out using heating elements. If the equipment has a heating element, then you should provide in advance a place for heating water, protecting the heating element from corrosion and taking into account possible heat losses.

Inverter electric boilers operate on a different principle. It works using electromagnetic induction. For this system to work, it is necessary to convert D.C. to AC from the electrical network. The inverter runs on batteries or mains power. Using variable magnetic field the process of current generation occurs.

An inverter electric boiler can have 2 circuits:

1. A heat exchanger that heats the coolant.
2. Magnetic, which generates an alternating magnetic field.
3. When an alternating current is applied, a magnetic field is created using a coil. Thus, the water in the pipelines is heated.

Organization of the heating system

Inverter boilers are divided into several types depending on power:

• Domestic boilers. The equipment is compact in size. A household boiler can operate from batteries or from the mains.
• Industrial boilers. The equipment is large in size and has high power, a complex current conversion process, and a large-volume heat exchanger.

It is necessary to make a design for an inverter-type heating system before organizing it. You also need to arrange wiring with a large cross-section. Since when the boiler is operating, the load on the electrical network increases.

Advantages and disadvantages

The following advantages can be identified in an inverter heating boiler:

1. Since the heating element does not come into direct contact with water, the requirements for chemical properties coolant are underestimated. The winding acts as a heating element in the inverter boiler. The chemical composition of the coolant depends only on the properties of pipes and radiators.
2. High performance characteristics tall. Since there are no heating elements.
3. If a centrifugal pump is installed in the heating system, the heating rate of the coolant will become higher.

But inverter boilers have several disadvantages:

1. The need for a complex electronic control system. It is needed to regulate the power of the equipment.
2. High price. Heating element boilers are much cheaper.
3. The boiler is heavy and large. In order to heat a large room, it is necessary to use a large heat exchange chamber. And also the number of turns in the coil should be increased.

But, despite the minor disadvantages, such boilers are increasingly gaining popularity.

Heating system design

Before choosing a heating system, you need to think in advance what equipment you will use. In an inverter heating system, it is necessary to select equipment with a power that will correspond to the size of the house. But heat loss should be taken into account, so choose a power slightly higher than required.

In order to heat 10 sq.m. a house located in average climatic conditions requires 1 kW of heating device performance. But such calculations are considered indicative. Therefore, you should calculate the required power yourself.

But for high premises, such as industrial buildings, 1 kW of performance is required to heat 2 cubic meters of air.

Peculiarities

After you have calculated the required power, you must select the type of electrical connection. It can be single-phase or three-phase. In order to heat a small country house, 10-12 kW of power is enough. A single-phase electrical network is suitable for such a house. And three-phase is suitable for inverter boilers that have a power of more than 6 kW. Connect such heating boilers can be connected to a network with a voltage of 220 or 380 V. Such devices can be used without installing an additional circuit.

For heating industrial buildings and premises, industrial-type boilers are usually used. They are large in size, have a volumetric heat exchanger and a complex current conversion system. Household inverter boilers are used to heat private houses. Since they are small in size and low in cost.

Points to consider during installation

Inverter boilers can be used in pressure and gravity heating systems. Since the heating rate of the coolant is high, a device should be installed that will dose the water supply to the pipeline system. Consequently, the efficiency of the device will increase and the need for new heated liquid will decrease.

Before you start installing the system, you need to check whether the existing electrical wiring is suitable for connecting the new heating equipment. If the electrical wiring does not match, then you need to replace the wires with new ones that have a larger cross-section.

In a three-phase electrical network, it is necessary to run additional cables from the general network. If a sudden voltage drop occurs in the system, a special protective unit will stop the operation of the equipment. Therefore, it must be installed.

Before installing an inverter heating boiler, you should not forget about some points:

• About equipment grounding;
• The boiler must be located at the required distance from furniture and other objects in the house;
• A special air release valve must be installed in the heating system;
• If your system is not free-pressure, then you need to install an expansion tank. It is needed for circulation of the pump and to compensate for the expansion of the coolant.

Using GSM module or a special electronic programmer, you can provide a comfortable atmosphere in the house, even during a long absence. This option is great for those who come to a country house only for the weekend.

Using electricity to heat rooms in the cold season is a fairly effective and convenient option - after all, this energy carrier is available in almost every house, apartment and even industrial building. However, operating a heating system using electricity alone will cost more than the cost of using any other equipment. It is for this purpose that inverter boilers were created, which have relatively high efficiency and minimal heat losses with all the advantages of electrical devices.

Operating principle

Models powered by electricity transmit energy using heating elements, which require both a separate area for heating the coolant and protection of the heating element from corrosion. At the same time, the operating principle is based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction.

Direct current from the network is converted into alternating current. The resulting magnetic field generates an induced current. And the device that allows all this to happen is precisely an inverter, capable of operating both from the network and from a battery (only for low-power models).

An inverter boiler consists of two main parts: a magnetic circuit and a heat exchanger. The circuit's tasks include creating an alternating magnetic field.

A heat exchanger is needed to transfer energy from the induction current to the coolant, increasing the temperature of the latter to the level necessary for effective heating.

Equipment Features

An inverter boiler, like every type of heating device, has its advantages. Thanks to this, the equipment is quite popular among consumers and is gradually being used more and more often. At the same time, of course, one cannot do without disadvantages, although for such boilers they are not very significant.

The main advantages of such a device are:

• the absence of heating elements, due to which its characteristics are higher than those of electric boilers;
• low heating inertia, which allows you to heat a heated room faster than models with heating elements can do;
• low requirements for water quality. Due to the fact that the heating element, that is, the winding, does not come into contact with water, chemical composition coolant is important only for pipelines and radiators;
• no need for any installation permits, as well as a separate installation room.

Disadvantages of the device

Any technology cannot do without its drawbacks. And for an inverter boiler they are as follows:

• relatively high purchase price and not too wide range;
• large dimensions and weight, which do not make it possible to place inverter devices on the walls, which would save more space;
• a complex equipment control system using electronics (its presence also affects the price).

Heating system installation

Before you begin installing an inverter heating system in a building, you need to determine what equipment will be needed for this. The power of the product is selected depending on the area of ​​the heated premises, taking into account heat loss and a small reserve.

It is approximately believed that 1 kW of heating equipment performance is sufficient to ensure normal microclimatic conditions in an area of ​​8–10 square meters. m.

For rooms with non-standard heights, for example, production workshops, a kilowatt is enough to heat 2 cubic meters of air.

Features depending on the type of equipment

They select the type of electrical network required to connect it, which can be single- or three-phase. The first is suitable for equipment with a power of up to 10–12 kW, most often used for heating dachas or small private houses. Three-phase is designed for inverter devices with a capacity above 6 kW.

At the same time, boilers with a power of 6 to 12 kW can be connected to a network with a voltage of both 220 and 380 Volts. Such equipment can be used without creating an additional circuit.

In addition, when choosing an inverter boiler for large industrial premises, they prefer industrial equipment with increased dimensions, large heat exchangers and a complex current conversion system. While for home use you will need a household model, relatively compact and cheap.

What to consider during installation?

The use of inverter-type boilers is allowed in both gravity and pressure heating systems. Taking into account the fact that the rate of heating of the coolant is high, it is recommended to install a device in the system for dosing the water supply from the device to common system pipes This reduces the need for new heated fluid and increases the efficiency of the device.

Before starting installation, it is worth finding out whether the parameters of the existing electrical wiring will be sufficient for the operation of the new equipment. If necessary, the wires are replaced with others with a larger cross-section. If a three-phase network is required, additional cables are laid separately from the general power supply network. In addition, the equipment requires a special protective unit that automatically turns off the power in the event of sudden changes in voltage in the network.

When arranging inverter heating, you should not forget:

• provide for the installation of a special air release valve in the system;
• about, necessary to compensate for the thermal expansion of the liquid, as well as circulation pump(unless, of course, the system is free-flow);
• about the location of the boiler at a certain distance from furniture and other things;
• ground the equipment.

It is also recommended to equip the boiler with such a device for remote control, like an electronic programmer or even a GSM module. With their help, you can provide fairly comfortable heating, for example, of a country house that is not visited daily, but only on weekends.

Whatever one may say, using electric energy for heating is a new trend in modern world. Using inverters is very profitable and has many advantages. For example, electricity, unlike gas, is available in every home and even cottage.

It is very easy to use because you do not need permission to use it, they cost less than conventional devices, and are smaller in size. The benefits of inverter boilers can be negated when you consider the cost of electricity for some users.

But the world does not stand still, and today improvements are being made. Great steps have been taken in the area of ​​increasing their efficiency (hereinafter referred to as efficiency) and reducing heat loss. Based on these factors, it follows that inverter boilers are the most promising system in our time.

Inverter boiler

Classic boilers operate on the principle of heat transfer using. As a result, it is necessary to take into account the place where the coolant will be heated, and to protect it from the coolant getting on the surface of the heating element in order to prevent corrosion. It is also necessary to take into account and minimize heat loss.

Inverter heating boilers are also called induction boilers. They operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction. For this, an alternating magnetic field and an inverter are used, which can operate either from an industrial power supply or from a battery. An inverter is used to convert from AC to DC current. Due to alternating current, the inductor creates a magnetic field, and this, in turn, heats the coolant in the heat exchanger, and then the rest circulates in the pipe system.

Scheme of operation of an inverter boiler

Such boilers are mainly sold in double-circuit form:

• Magnetic circuit. Used to generate an alternating magnetic field;
• Heat exchanger. This element is used to heat the coolant.

Advantages and disadvantages of an inverter boiler

Like any product, inverter heating boilers have their positive and negative sides.

Positive aspects of using such boilers:

• Operational characteristics have been increased due to the fact that there are no elements for heating the coolant;
• Low inertia in heating the coolant. When used in a heating system, the heating rate of the coolant increases significantly;
• The requirements for the coolant and its chemical composition have been reduced. The element that heats the coolant is the winding. It does not come into contact with the coolant and is therefore not affected by it. In this regard, the chemical composition of the coolant is determined by the properties

Among the many types of heating devices, there are units called inverter units. Let's consider what it is and what kind of heating device can be given such a definition.

What is an inverter

An inverter is a device that converts direct electric current into alternating current or increases the voltage and frequency of alternating current. The need for such a transformation arises when creating devices and mechanisms with a sensitive system of settings that respond to the slightest change in environmental parameters. Inverters are used in many areas: electric welding (essentially welding machine- this is a type of inverter), control of electric motors and electric drives, production of air conditioners and heaters, etc.

How component device, inverters look different and may not have an individual housing.

The use of inverters in heating

In the production of heating devices, inverters are used as a device that allows precise pre-setting or adjustment during operation of the unit.

High-tech electric heating devices that do not have heating elements, lamps, filaments and heating coils in their design necessarily include inverters as devices for increasing the functionality and efficiency of the heating unit. Such heating means include vortex induction heaters (VIN) and inverter air conditioners. Both of these devices are descended from their less advanced predecessors: VIN - from induction boilers of the SAV type, inverter split systems - from conventional air conditioning systems.

VIN heating boilers

A wine boiler is a unit for equipping a home with a heating system and, depending on the model, hot water supply. The device runs on electricity and uses the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, known for more than 100 years, discovered by Faraday, to heat water.

Simply put, a water heating boiler is a vertically mounted cylindrical metal body, equipped with two fittings for water inlet and outlet. Inside the housing there is a primary winding (coil) - turns of an insulated conductor, the ends of which are supplied with voltage. A secondary winding (core) is placed in the coil without contact with it, which is a section of the pipe of the heating system itself with the coolant.

When voltage is applied to the ends primary winding An electromagnetic field is induced around the coil, which causes the formation of Foucault eddy currents in the upper layers of the core, heating its surface and subsequently transferring this heat to the coolant.

The VIN boiler differs from SAV devices in that a current is supplied to the ends of the primary winding, the frequency of which is increased several times by the inductor included in the design of the unit. A high frequency of the electric current causes the appearance of a higher intensity value around the primary winding of the electromagnetic field, which, accordingly, causes the appearance of vortex flows of greater power in the secondary winding.

The primary and secondary windings of the VIN-unit are made of various ferroalloys with different values ​​of their own magnetic field. These magnetic fields interact with the induced electric field to heat the core.
Thus, the combination of these factors increases the heating intensity of the upper layers of the secondary winding, but reduces its depth, accelerating the process of heat transfer to the coolant and reducing the time the heating system reaches a given power.

The more advanced design of VIN boilers results in a higher price compared to other induction devices.

Inverter air conditioner-heater

The simplified everyday name of such devices “air conditioning” is misleading regarding the functionality of these units. Indeed, one of the functions of this device is to lower the room temperature to a set value in the summer. However, the unit can also perform the opposite function - to heat the room during the cold season.

Device and principle of operation

To understand the principle of operation of an inverter heater, let’s consider the operation of an air conditioner without an inverter in the design, but still of a modern design that does not use air from the street. The inverter heater has the same operating algorithm, only improved.

The operating principle of both of these devices is based on the release of heat by gas during compression and cooling of surfaces in contact with it by liquid during evaporation. The gas that plays this role in air conditioners is called refrigerant.

Refrigerant properties

The refrigerant used in split systems is a fluorine-containing compound - freon, which comes in more than 40 types. We list the 3 most common types of freon:

• R-22 is an ineffective refrigerant at temperatures below -5 and above 40 degrees (boiling point -41 degrees), due to the increased harmful effects on the ozone layer, it is prohibited for use in Russia;
• R-410A – a substance (boiling point -51 degrees) with less negative impact on the ozone layer, effective for use in the temperature range from -15 to +45 degrees, used in most air conditioning systems;
• R-32 is a safe, new refrigerant (boiling point -52 degrees), with an application efficiency that is 5% greater than R-410A.

Important! When purchasing an air conditioner of any type, especially a used one, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of purchasing a device using R-22 refrigerant, due to the ban on its use, which has become in short supply, which, if it is necessary to charge the device, cannot be replaced with another type of freon.

Functions of the component blocks of the air conditioner

A modern air conditioner, called a split system, consists of two units. This division into two components made it possible to remove a noisier and, moreover, bulky unit from the room, leaving a compact and, as a rule, aesthetically pleasing unit inside. Freon is moved by a pump located in the outdoor unit.

The principle of interaction between split system blocks

The indoor unit of the split system contains a heat exchanger (condenser). When the air conditioner operates in heating mode, freon is compressed in the heat exchanger, which causes its temperature to increase. The temperature of the compressed refrigerant reaches 80 degrees, and heat is transferred to the room through the circulation of room air through a heat exchanger. After heat transfer, the compressed freon turns into a liquid state (condenses) and moves to the outdoor unit - to the evaporator, the pressure in which is tens of times lower. A sharp decrease in pressure leads to boiling of the refrigerant with simultaneous absorption of heat from environment. The boiling point of liquefied freon (depending on the type) with a large pressure drop is several tens of degrees below zero, that is, outside air at a temperature of even -15 degrees is still warmer. Therefore, the absorption of heat by boiling freon occurs even from frosty air, and the lower the tabulated boiling point of the refrigerant, the more cold it is able to take heat from the colder air.

At the end of boiling, the refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the air returns to the indoor unit and is compressed again, condensing, heating up and heating the heat exchanger.

Design nuances of the process

Compression of the refrigerant with the release of heat and evaporation with its absorption occur not in any chambers, but in two coils located in the outdoor and indoor units. After being compressed by the pump in the coil of the indoor unit, the freon enters the outdoor unit through a very small diameter tube (capillary), but the outlet opening is narrow capillary tube prevents the filling of the outer coil (evaporator) and causes the evaporation of freon with the absorption of heat from the environment.

Briefly, the heating process can be described by a chain of four sequential processes: compression of the refrigerant - heat release - boiling (evaporation) of the refrigerant - heat absorption.

If the process is started in the opposite direction, then the condenser and evaporator will switch roles, and the air in the room will be cooled.

Algorithm for operating a split system without an inverter

A regular air conditioner can only be in two states - on or off. Before turning it on, the required air temperature in the room is set, then it starts, and the compressor begins to circulate the refrigerant through the system. The split system temperature sensor monitors the air temperature in the room and compares it with a set value. As soon as these values ​​are equal, the compressor will be automatically turned off and the split system will be inactive until the difference between the actual and maintained temperatures in the room reaches 2-3 degrees. After this, the compressor will start again at full power according to the thermostat signal.

The imperfection of the algorithm is obvious - turning on the system at full power without reference to the upcoming amount of work, which creates a short-term but excessive load on the power grid. In addition, it is at the moment of start-up that the wear of equipment components and electricity consumption are maximum, since large starting currents are required to start the rotation of the rotor of a conventional, non-inverter compressor.

Inverter split system

The actions of an inverter-type air conditioner-heater are identical to the behavior of a conventional split system until the moment when, after the device is first turned on, the room temperature reaches the set value, and this value must be maintained - to heat the air or cool it, depending on the operating mode of the unit.

From this moment on, its operating algorithm differs from a unit without an inverter. The compressor of the inverter split system does not turn off, but continues to operate, but not at full capacity, but within 5% of potential. Consequently, the inverter heater operates continuously, without using an on-off cycle, smoothly adjusting the intensity of work (compressor speed) to optimal mode maintaining specified temperature conditions. When using inverter split systems, temperature fluctuations in the room are within one degree, in contrast to the abrupt provision of temperature in steps of 2-4 degrees with conventional air conditioners.

Characteristics and classification

The main characteristic of inverter air conditioners and heaters is power, and there are two types - consumed and useful. Given the ability of these units to regulate compressor speed, these characteristics are indicated in the form of ranges. For example, useful power 0.5 - 5.1 kW indicates its minimum and maximum value.

Important! It should be taken into account that the upper value of the indicated power range exceeds its nominal value, since modern inverter heaters-air conditioners can, if necessary ( fast warm-up or room cooling) for short periods of time to operate above the nominal value.

In addition to power, inverter units are divided depending on the refrigerant used, an important characteristic of which is the boiling point - a criterion for the possibility of using the device in heating mode (the lower the boiling temperature, the lower the outside temperature the system can be operated as a heater).

Based on their design, inverter air conditioners are divided into:

• wall;
• under-ceiling;
• floor

Classification by design features and functionality:

• cassette;
• duct.

Important characteristics of inverter air conditioners also include noise level, dimensions, power supply parameters, etc. As a rule, all this data is indicated by the manufacturer in technical passport products and operating instructions.

For clarity, we present a comparative table of technical characteristics of four models of inverter split systems McQuay M5MSY-BR, since detailed description all parameters of such high-tech devices are rarely in demand in everyday life.

Areas of use

Inverter air conditioners and heaters are used where the level of comfort is important. If the room is not used often and is not used for long during the day, then in such rooms you can limit yourself to installing a conventional split system, modern models of which also have high specifications.

If this is a children's room, bedroom or office, the comfort of a long stay in which must be ensured by definition, then the optimal choice would be an inverter device, the higher price of which is justified by greater functionality and comprehensive efficiency.

Advantages

This type of air conditioning and heating systems is promising and is constantly being improved. How newer model, the higher its technical characteristics, so we list and comment on the advantages inherent in all inverter air conditioners-heaters and declared by marketers:

• Economical – inverter units are 30% more economical than classic units, but given the high cost of these devices, the payback period for the difference in price is about three years, and with short-term use this time increases.
• Low noise level is confirmed, but this parameter is not achieved by using an inverter, but depends on the models of compressors, drives and fans.
• Durability - present only with a high-quality compressor, correct installation of the split system and careful care of it (if these requirements are not met, both classic devices and inverter devices containing additionally several electronic boards fail equally quickly);
• The accuracy and smoothness of temperature maintenance are confirmed only in the absence of external factors such as opening windows, doors or turning on household appliances whose operation is accompanied by heating (computer, oven, etc.).

Disadvantages of inverter heaters

• High price relative to conventional units, which increases with increasing sophistication of models.
• High cost of components when repairs are required.
• Sensitivity to parameters of consumed electricity.

Conclusion

And yet, when correct installation and operation, inverter air conditioners will provide more high level comfort in the room than classic units can provide. The categorical enthusiastic statements of marketers also contain some reliable information.

The use of electrical energy for heating has many advantages. So, if we compare such a system with gas heating, it is worth noting that electricity is available in every home. An electric boiler does not require a permit; such boilers are small and their price is lower. Of course, the cost of electricity may completely offset the benefits for some users. But currently, developments are aimed at increasing the efficiency of boilers and reducing heat loss. And the most promising system in this case is inverter heating boilers.

How does an inverter heating boiler work?

As a rule, if we consider classic electric boilers, here the operating principle is that energy is transferred to the coolant using a heating element. So, if the design has a heating element, then it is also necessary to provide a separate place to heat the water, protect the heating element from the corrosion process, and also take into account heat loss.

Inverter (or induction) heating boilers operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

Thus, with the help of an alternating magnetic field, an induction current is generated. In order for this process to be implemented, it is necessary to convert direct current from the electrical network into alternating current. This is what the inverter does - it can work both from the network and from batteries.

So, an inverter heating boiler has two circuits:

• Magnetic. Generates an alternating magnetic field.
• Heat exchanger.

Heats up the coolant.

When alternating current is applied, the coil creates a magnetic field, which heats the water in the pipe system.

What is good and what is bad about an inverter boiler

• An inverter heating boiler has several advantages:
• Since there are no heating elements, performance characteristics increase.
• The heating inertia is small. So, if the system has a centrifugal pump, then the rate of heating of the coolant will be higher.

Reduced requirements for the chemical properties of the coolant. After all, the heating element, in this case the winding, does not come into direct contact with water. Therefore, the chemical composition of the coolant will be determined only by the properties of radiators and pipes.

• Among the disadvantages it is worth highlighting:
• Quite large in size and weight. To organize a heating system in large rooms, you will need a volumetric heat exchange chamber, and therefore a larger number of turns in the coil.
• Power regulation requires complex electronic system management.

Despite the presence of such disadvantages, the number of objects heated by boilers that use inverters for heating boilers is growing.

Organization of the heating system

Depending on the power, all inverter boilers can be divided into the following types:

• Industrial.
• They have large dimensions, a rather complex current conversion system (carried out by an inverter for a heating boiler), and volumetric heat exchangers.

Household.